Ischemic Stroke

The two types of strokes are the Ischemic stroke occurs due to blockage of a blood vessel; the other hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding. Bleeding strokes have a much higher fatality rate than strokes caused by clots.

When an artery to the brain is blocked ischemic stroke occurs. The arteries bring flesh blood from the heart and lungs and supply the brain. Carbon dioxide and cellular waste are removed from the blood and carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When this artery is blocked the brain cells cannot make enough energy and finally stops working and the brain cells will die if the artery is blocked for more than a minute. Here immediate medical attention is absolutely critical.

Ischemic stroke is due to blood clot occluding a cerebral artery, antiplatelet medication (aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole), or anticoagulant medication (warfarin) is given to the patient depending on the cause. Hemorrahagic stroke must be ruled out since it would be harmful to patients.

It can be caused by several different kinds of diseases and narrowing of the arteries is the most common problem which is caused by atherosclerosis or gradual cholesterol deposition. Blood cells may collect and form blood clots if the arteries become to narrow which can block the artery where they are formed or can dislodge and become trapped in arteries closer to the brain. The other causes are irregular heartbeat, heart attack or abnormalities of the heart valves. Mentioned above are the most common causes but there are many other possible causes like street drugs, traumatic injury to the blood vessels of the neck or disorders of blood clotting.

It is the most common kind of stroke nearly 88% of all strokes. Stroke can affect people of all age's even children. Older people (60 or more years old) are prone to have ischemic strokes and the risk increases with age. Stroke is more common in man than women. Some people have other problems which put them at higher risk for stroke like high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking or diabetes.

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